A dad of two threatened to kill himself and his two children after dousing them all in petrol during a dramatic late night stand-off on Teesside.

The 32-year-old father was eventually overpowered by police and a relative outside a house on Middlesbrough's Berwick Hills estate.

Neighbours today described their horror as they watched the incident unfold.

The drama started just before midnight and was ended only when a Ford Transit van was stormed and the man subdued and arrested. The children had been in the van with him.

Only moments before the fuel-soaked "agitated" dad, who had a fuel can in his lap, was seen holding a cigarette lighter.

The man, who was not injured in the struggle with police, was due to be questioned by Middlesbrough detectives. The children, one aged six, the other aged ten, were being cared for by relatives with support from social services.

Chief Superintendent Mark Braithwaite, Middlesbrough police's district commander, said: "I would like to pay tribute to all the people, that includes the police officers, who brought this incident to a safe conclusion.

"Had ignition taken place it is my view a fireball would have engulfed that vehicle with serious, if not tragic, consequences for all those inside.

"It was a terrifying incident for all involved, not least the children."

The incident started earlier in the evening when police received a call that a man had snatched his two girls. But at that stage police had no idea where he had gone or what vehicle he was in.

Later they were called to Bowfell Road, Berwick Hills, where the man had parked his Ford Transit van outside a relative's house.

For an hour police tried to convince the man to give himself up before storming the vehicle.

One resident, who asked not to be named, told the Gazette: "I heard lots of banging going on inside the van.

"The police were trying to calm him down.

"There was a lot of screaming which seemed to go on for ages.

"I recognised one man who eventually opened the van and the police dived in.

"I was furious when I realised children were involved - I wanted to go out there and help the police myself."

Another neighbour added: "We heard a lot of shouting and thought there was a fight in the street.

"I looked out the window and saw two fire engines and police standing around the van.

"Then I saw a man lying on the ground, and when he stood up he had handcuffs on."

Ch Supt Braithwaite said: "The officers were intending to negotiate a clear and safe conclusion to the incident.

"But an opportunity presented itself and officers took advantage of that and were able to bring it to a conclusion.

"It could have ended in tragic consequences for the children, the man and my officers but I am pleased and relieved it ended without incident."